All three of 8BitDo‘s transparent green gaming peripherals licensed by Xbox are on sale for great prices this holiday season. The superb 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical keyboard is up for grabs for only $70 (was $120) at Amazon-owned retailer Woot. You can also save on the tenkeyless wireless keyboard directly from Amazon but the price is considerably higher ($96). The Retro 87 launched in January alongside the matching 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse which is on sale for only $48 (was $60) at Amazon. The wireless mouse is bundled with a magnetic charging dock.
To round out your transparent green collection, you can pick up the matching version of the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for $50 (was $70). The transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller
8BitDo Retro 87 Keyboard Review: A Nostalgic and Versatile Performer
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The 8BitDo Retro 87 is a standout keyboard, especially for those who appreciate a tactile, clicky experience. It features Kailh Jellyfish X transparent switches that not only feel and sound great but also offer a stable and predictable typing experience thanks to Kailh’s box switch design, which provides dust- and splash-resistance. The keyboard boasts customizable RGB backlighting with eight unique light modes,adding a personalized touch.
Staying true to 8BitDo’s signature style, the Retro 87 includes a hot-swappable PCB, allowing for easy switch customization. It also features a detachable Super Button module with two large, remappable microswitch buttons housed in transparent green.An Xbox Guide button is included for easy access to the Xbox overlay menu on PC. The arrow keys are styled with the iconic Xbox controller face button colors – green, red, blue, and yellow.
Further customization is available through 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, compatible with PC, mac, and mobile, allowing users to adjust keybindings, create macros, and fine-tune the RGB lighting effects.
The Retro 87 offers broad compatibility, working seamlessly with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, steam Deck, and even the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. Connectivity options include wireless via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, alongside a wired mode using the included green, detachable USB-C charging cable. The 4,000mAh rechargeable battery provides remarkable battery life, lasting up to 300 hours with lighting effects disabled, or around 25-30 hours with RGB backlighting enabled.
8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse + Charging Dock: Xbox Edition
$48 ($60) | PC, Mac, Android
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Mechanical Keyboard Switches: A Comprehensive Guide
Mechanical keyboards have exploded in popularity,offering a superior typing experience compared to customary membrane keyboards. But the heart of that experience lies in the switches. Understanding the different types of mechanical keyboard switches is crucial for finding the perfect keyboard for your needs. This guide breaks down the key switch characteristics, popular options, and what to consider when making your choice.
What are Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
Unlike membrane keyboards that register keystrokes with a pressure pad, mechanical keyboards use individual, physical switches beneath each keycap. These switches contain a spring, stem, and housing. When you press a key, the stem moves down, compressing the spring and registering the keystroke. the distinct feel and sound come from the mechanics of this process, which varies significantly between different switch types.
Key Switch Characteristics
several factors define a mechanical keyboard switch:
- Actuation Point: The distance a key needs to be pressed before it registers a keystroke. A lower actuation point means faster response times.
- Travel Distance: The total distance a key travels when pressed.
- Actuation Force: The amount of force required to press the key enough to register a keystroke, measured in grams (g). Lower force means easier pressing.
- Tactile Bump: A noticeable bump felt when the key actuates, providing feedback.
- Audible Click: A distinct clicking sound when the key actuates.
Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Mechanical keyboard switches are broadly categorized into three main types: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky.
Linear Switches
Linear switches offer a smooth, consistent keypress without any tactile bump or audible click. They are favored by gamers for their speed and responsiveness. As there’s no bump to overcome, you can repeatedly press the key quickly.
- Popular Examples: Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Black, Gateron Red, Speed Silver
- Actuation Force: Typically ranges from 45g to 60g.
- Best For: Gaming, fast typing (once accustomed to the lack of feedback).
Tactile Switches
Tactile switches provide a noticeable bump when the key actuates, letting you know the keystroke has registered. This feedback is popular among typists who prefer confirmation of each keypress. They don’t usually have a loud click.
- Popular Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown, Zealios V2
- Actuation Force: Typically ranges from 55g to 65g.
- Best For: Typing, general use, gaming (a good all-rounder).
Clicky Switches
Clicky switches combine a tactile bump with a distinct audible click. They offer the most feedback, both tactile and auditory, but can be noisy and disruptive to others.
- Popular Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Kailh BOX White, Razer Green
- Actuation Force: Typically ranges from 50g to 60g.
- Best For: Typing (for those who enjoy the feedback and don’t mind the noise), users who want strong confirmation of each keystroke.
Popular Switch Brands
Several brands dominate the mechanical keyboard switch market:
- Cherry MX: The original and arguably most well-known brand. Known for their quality and reliability.
- Gateron: Offers a wide range of switches, often considered a more affordable alternative to Cherry MX.
- Kailh: Known for innovative switch designs,like the BOX switches which are dust and water resistant.
- ZealPC: Produces premium, high-performance switches favored by enthusiasts.
- Razer: Develops switches specifically for their gaming keyboards, often focusing on speed and durability.